Page 10 of A Dawn So Dark

“Just come to dinner. Please do not make me force you.” Arden moved a hand from one side of my head and slowly moved it to my throat, his coarse fingers kneading the tender flesh, earning a gasp of surprise from me. “And for the record, yes, you did pick a fight. You do not bring up a strange man's cock like that unless you want another man to react.Youspoke about astranger'scock,Daemongave you a reaction. If you are going to play withus, mean it or you will not like the wayweplay.” I pressed a hand to his chest and pushed him back, or attempted to at least. He did not budge.

“Are you calling yourself the strange man or are we talking about that prick in the cavern? Is that the game we are playing?” I sneer, now trying to remove his hand from my throat. “I don't think you want me to play this particular game, Princess.” His grip tightens, pushing me completely flush to the shelves. I swallowedhard against his hold, my pulse quickening beneath his fingertips. Arden leaned, nearing my lips as if he were going to kiss me. I felt my heart hammer in my chest.I had never been kissed by anyone.He averted from the path to my lips and pressed his warm cheek to mine, his lips brushing my ear instead. His breath was warm against my skin, the heat of his hand on my throat moving upwards until it met the nape of my neck. My breath hitched as he gripped my jaw, tilting my head to expose me to him.I couldn't move. I was lost in his touch, his presence. “OhLittle Human…” he growled, a smirk growing on his lips as they brushed my bare skin. “Does the King know that you raised your skirts for me?” My skin should have melted off by now, I was utterly flushed. I swallowed hard as his thumb traced the column of my throat.He wasn't being forceful or trying to harm me. This was different. His touch moved across my skin like a delicate shadow, leaving fire in its wake. A fire that ignited in the pit of my stomach.“I-I was trying to escape. Notplay. It’s not my fault you almost fell for it.” His gaze heated, leaving a trail from my collarbone as it swept up my neck to my lips. Our chests were a breathapart, one small moment and I would be pressed flush against him. “You are going to be so much fun to ruin, Princess.”

Ardens presence vanished from mine, suddenly rematerializing near the door where he entered. With an arrogant air about him, he gestured to the door “Time for dinner, Princess.”

My knees wobbled as I moved away from the shelf with a glare, taking a shaky breath in an attempt to regulate my erratic heartbeat. “Not hungry.”Lies, I was starved, but I could not get through a dinner with both him and the King, I would likely burst into flames. “It seems the King already has company for dinner.”I did not want to sit through a dinner with Daemon and that statuesque beauty from earlier.

“Oh?” He quirkeda brow at me, the corner of his lip tugging up in amusement at my blatant lie.“Who?” Arden hummed. He was annoyed that I was not in agreement with him. I gave him a hard look, he knew I was going to go kicking and screaming. I would put up a fight and he knew it.Part of me wished he would pick meup and carry me.“Tall, dark hair, quite fond of the King…?”

Ardens smirk broke into deep, guttural laughter. Head tossed back, he nearly howled “Oh sweet, angry little Princess. Rage looks so pretty on you.” My cheeks flushed, ears burning in embarrassment as Arden continued to laugh. Evading my burning question all the while. He calmed enough to gesture to the door “Now that we have discovered your raging jealous tendencies, may I escort you to dinner?”

There was no way I was going to dinner now. I would be teased the entirety of the evening for feigning jealousy. I crossed my arms, tilting my head questioningly at him. Sighing, he nodded his head towards the door “I will escort you to your chambers.” I was surprised he gave in. We walked back to my room in silence, the cool tiles biting into my bare feet as we went, leaving me wishing I had grabbed my slippers when fighting with Daemon. After watching him split a table I worried that Arden might face an outburst from the King when I did not arrive for dinner. “Is it often that your King breaks tables?” I asked, breaking thesilence between us. Arden chuckled dryly, a wry smile overtaking his handsome features. He appeared to be in his late twenties, but his eyes held age far beyond his looks, a pain resided there. A familiar look met me in the mirror each morning.I wondered if he had fought in the war against my father.

“I have not seen him break furniture since the last war. I imagine it is because your family tends to drive him to madness. You have amaddeningpresence.” Arden chuckled, but his tone felt far off, not the teasing I had heard since I arrived. “Though, you drive him mad in a far different way than Arthur did.” I fiddled with my fingers, picking at a scab on my knuckle. “I am not like him, you know.”He needed to know I was different. I wanted him to know. Especially him. “Daemon?” I shook my head, knowing I was in no way similar to his King. As we reached my door I looked up at him with a firm determination to express my seriousness on the matter. “I am nothing like Arthur. If anyone were ever to draw that comparison, I would hope someone kills me before it roots.” With that, I entered my chambers and closed the door, my heart hammering in my chest.

The next morning, Noa brought me to meetings with her. Meetings regarding their members of court, disputes between businesses, everything human kingdoms dealt with. I sat silently, absorbing their culture, their customs. I had quickly learned that I was not the only human that dwelled in the castle. In fact, Darkspire had a wealth of humans living here. It seemed that those who had not supported my father during the war had fled here and Daemon had offered them safe haven twenty years ago. Another lie Merlin had told. He claimed that Vampires were too feral to be in the presence of a human without ripping them to ribbons.

It also seemed that Daemon had been avoiding me. I saw Arden on occasion, though it was typically in passing with a flirtatious wink or a sultry innuendo as we passed in the hall.

Noa had shown me the inner workings of the castle and humans' place in their society after I had badgered her over the span of three breakfasts on the placement of the cushioned chaise in the nook. “Vampires feed from humans to survive. Your blood fuels our immortality. The goddesses blessed humanblood to sustain us. That is where we differ from the Strays you encountered. They could not control their hunger and they let it control them, therefore losing that part of us that makes us kin to humans, the part of us that exists beyond that primal hunger, the desire to feed until we no longer can. That chaise is where breakfast is usually served, typically one of the maids or ladies of court will take care of Arden and Daemons needs. I prefer a chilled glass of blood in the morning while the men prefer it… fresh. I imagine they have not done it around you so as not to give you a fright.” Noa leafed through papers, signing several with a flourish as if she had not just shared something I could barely comprehend. I set down my tea, looking to thewineglass sitting aside her breakfast plate in interest. Indeed, it was not wine. It was thicker, darker,Blood.Had either of them wanted to… drink from me?What did it look like? What did it feel like?I assumed they had fangs similar to that of which I had seen on the Strays. Did it hurt when they… bit? My cheeks flushed when Noa chuckled, gathering what my thoughts were. “It is a rather….Intimateexperience…”

Intimate? I swallowed, heat flushing my cheeks as I tried to ignore the thoughts of how Arden or Daemon would… feed from me and changed the subject. “Do you usually handle all of this for the King?” Noa nods, rifling through more papers “Yes. Most of these are trading agreements or correspondence from our mountain or oceanside cities. Just you wait, I will have you well versed in all of this. Arden tried to get me to do his inventory reports but I burned them.” I chuckled, finding her disapproval for nonsense amusing.

“Do you think I could have a permanent place here?” I asked, absentmindedly stirring my tea as I looked out the window at the vast city below. People bustled about, joyful, busy, with purpose. My heart felt as if someone had squeezed it too tightly. The people of Camelot suffered while the members of court thrived. I lived just as they did, I knew how my father neglected his people. What Darkspire had… the connection between its people and their King, it made me ache. Camelot deserved that. And I prayed that I would one day kill my father and take his throne to attempt to give them that. “While they have been pussies all week and hiding from you in an attempt to let you adjust while not pissing you off, they like you. They would never say it, but theybothdo.” An emotion I could not decipher crossed her features for a brief moment before she regained her composure.

I flushed yet again, clearing my throat before changing the subject and asking about the mountain city that I had heard theguards discuss.

Chapter 16

Aurora Artorias

Over the span of the following week, I hardly saw Daemon. He no longer requested I show up for meals after a few nights. Arden had passed me exactly three times in the hall, but I hadn't seen him otherwise. He would wink, compliment my dress, and vanish down a dark corridor.

Noa brought me a blessing of a distraction by dragging me to meetings as her aide. I took notes for her and learned the ways of Darkspires court. It was all fascinating. I was learning about their thriving trading business, the larger trading companies assumed they were trading with small human farming villages. The humans who lived here ensured that. I had briefly learned of their vast army that had greatly grown since the last war. And furthermore, I had learned that I quite enjoyed Vampire Court. A tradesmen spoke out of turn, making a vulgar comment towards Noa, and she ripped his throat from his body. He was a Vampire, so it would simply regenerate eventually, but gods was it asight tobehold. This morning I was sure to be ready before Noa could show up.

She arrived with the rising of the sun to get us ahead of the rest of court, so today I rose two hours before daylight. I stepped into the brisk hall, leaving the comfort of the warm hearth in my chambers. The guard assigned to me rotated daily between three men. Today was the most enjoyable of the bunch. Tall and broad, usually chatty with any maids we passed. He had a groomed beard tinged with flecks of red, jovial brown eyes. “You're Tomas?” I inquire quietly, closing the door behind me. He nodded, surprised I had spoken to him at all. “Yes, Your Highness. Tomas Decleave.” Smiling at his surprise, I wave off his formality with a laugh “I am quite sure I am no longer considered a Princess in the eyes of the crown. Please, call me Aurora.” Tomas laughed in response, slapping a gloved hand against his armor. I had never had such an experience with a guard, it was refreshing to feel at ease in the presence of someone meant to protect me. Or rather, detain me.

“The General warned us you were…spirited.” Tomas chortled, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Where are we headed to this morning?” I pushed the thoughts of training aside and quickly reentered my room to grab a book. “How would you feel about a restful morning reading by the river?” His smile was all the answer I needed.

I recalled my readings from the texts, tales of the origins of Vampires and how they originated as a Matriarch until Daemon's great-great-grandfather only had sons. Since then there have only been eldest sons. Thousands of years of kings had led back to a traditional regency. As I continued, a recent passage appeared, far more informal than the rest. Recent as in twenty or so years. I was twenty-three years old. This passage regarded the war my father waged.The Monster Campaign.He had slaughtered entire species with the sole desire of eliminating Vampires. ‘King Arthur of Camelot was once an ally of Darkspire, having conducted commerce with our people. Arthur and Prince Damon were once dear friends and allies, as our Prince had helped him ward off an opposing kingdom that dwelledto the west of Camelot. As Spring fell that year, Arthur struck with the full power of his army, and the armies of twelve other cities. King Agemon hurried to the front lines where he was struck down by Excalibur.’

My finger stilled on the page. My father had killed King Agemon. Damon's father. I felt lightheaded, nauseous. My father had killed a man that aided him in a time of need.

I slammed the book shut, setting it aside as I slouched back against the tree. My mind reeled. My father was a terror, I always knew that. But this was unfathomable. He had killed the father of a once dear friend. And here I now sat, in his kingdom, reading a book just off of his terrace without a care in the world. Damon had told me they were allies. They were friends. Close enough for Vampires to aid humans. I could feel the sun rising, warming the goosebumps that trailed across my skin. It was brisk this morning, the first bites of winter revealing itself. I had likely been sitting here for three hours and it would seem it was all I would get undisturbed. Tomas sat a few trees over, quietly enjoying the view. “You are an hour late with yourmeeting with your ladies in waiting.” My gaze snapped up to a cross looking Noa, who had materialized out of thin air. Something I had learned Vampires do. They move with such speed, the human eye cannot perceive it. She stood above me with a regality that I could only dream of possessing. I intended to apologize for missing whatever she had said I missed but my mind was aflame with rage against my father. I wanted to ask her if my fathers had killed Daemons, but I knew she would not reveal her King's business and there was no way I could face Daemon. “Come along then, I need to fix you before you meet them. Why on earth are you sitting in the dirt? I swear you came here to terrorize me.”

We went inside and went to my chambers to dress me in a far fancier dress than I had dressed myself in for the day. I had chosen a deep emerald gown with a scooping neckline hemmed with a black trim, long sleeves to keep me warm. Noa had gone a different route. This dress was made of a light blue silk, lined with a simple lace. The bodice was tight and pushed my breasts up, similar to Noasblood red gown. “Why exactly am I receivingladies in waiting? I am aprisoner.” When I looked in the mirror I winced. The gown was stunning, a dream fit for a Princess. But the body inside was another story. Along my chest was a healing gash from my escape. On my forearms, that were now visible in this gown, were the scars from my years in the tower I spent chained to the wall. The fresh wounds that I had ensured from my escape were also prominently on display. “You are a politicalguest, Princess.” She emphasized theword guest in such an annoyed manner it made me grit my teeth. “There are expectations to uphold in the eyes of our law.” Another maid came in, alerting Noa that we were indeed ridiculously late. I frowned. I had no desire to meet my ladies in waiting. My past one knew of what happened to me, how I was treated. She often said ‘It could be worse.’ or ‘If you would marry, this would not happen. No one wants to marry a troubled girl.’ Despite my internal grudge, I followed Noa out of the room. She walked with poise and dignity while I still limped from my injuries. She looked regal. I felt like a child in leading strings. Shame shot through me when we entered the sitting room. Before me sat two women, likely no older than Iwas, or at leastlookedno older than I was. They both looked as breathtaking as Noa. Otherworldly. One, the seemingly older of the two, sat in a deep red gown with white trim. Her light brown hair pinned up in an intricate updo to show off her high cheekbones, walnut skin, rosy cheeks and full cherry lips. Her pale blue, near silver eyes were striking, though her look was soft and warm. The other woman sat in a blush pink gown with flowers beaded along the bosom. Her white hair was fashioned into a braid that fell down her shoulder, skin nearly transparent, and eyes that matched the night sky. Her rosy cheeks were adorned with freckles that moved with her warm smile as the both of them rose to their feet and curtsied.

“Princess Aurora, I would like to introduce you to Lady Alys of Riveroak,” Noa gestured to the woman in blue who curtsied again. “And Lady Willa of Astyrn.” The red haired woman. I smiled even though my chest burned in discomfort. It felt as if each and everyone of my wounds had reopened. The feeling of inadequacy that often came to me when I was with the ladies of the Camelot courts came rushing back. “They will be yourladies in waiting. They will be in charge of your ladies maids and ensure that they are seeing to their duties. They will also escort you to court, join you for social events, and assist you with any other needs you may have.” All eyes were on me. Swallowing my shame, I forced a smile at the women who would be involved with the majority of my days here. “Lady Alys, Lady Willa, a true pleasure. Do tell me of your homes, your families.” I took a seat on the couch and accepted the cup of tea presented to me. Willa grinned widely, her braid bouncing as she sat. “Astyrn is west of here Your Highness. It is a mountain city surrounded by a great wall and fortress. It was once a battle keepfor the great wars. Most of the families there are the relatives of warriors in the King's army. My father was once a General. My brother is General Arden.” I fought against glancing at Noa. I wondered if this was the King's choice, or if she had done it for Arden. I did not want to consider that I was receiving additional supervision due to my explosive and violent tendencies.

I smiled over the rim of my tea cup. “You must take great pride in him.” She nodded, looking at Noabefore returning her gaze to me “He is a great man.” Alys spoke next, her voice was feminine and melodic. “Riveroak is just west of here. We house our peoples artifacts, our historical volumes. It is quite serine and grows the most enchanting wildlife. I know you had a traumatizing journey here, but you should truly visit one day when you are feeling up to travel.” I appreciated her sentiment, her care that I had suffered a difficult journey here. Smiling softly, I thanked her. “Thank you, it has been a strenuous journey, one I hope does not repeat itself.”

Noa glances at the clock in the corner before rising to her feet. “I am due for another meeting, but Alys and Willa will be here to keep you on schedule. I wish you ladies luck. The Princess is blind to the constructs of time, as well as an escape artist.” If only I had been awarded that title during my days in Camelot. Noa begins to make her way out of the room, pausing at the door. She spoke one sentence that I had wished not to hear before vanishing. “The King has summoned you.” The door closed behind her, leaving me to sit with my anger. The King had chosen to summon me after Imet my ladies maids so I could not decline his request.The prick. Alys spoke first, clearing her throat before asking “Should we make our way to the training grounds, Princess?”

Hearing my formal title pulled me from my thoughts of annoyance. Another reminder that I was a stranger here, a prisoner. I nodded, unsure of what he would need to discuss with me after I had ignored him all week. “The training grounds?”Is that where Noa was headed in such a hurry? I had spent many days of my training for Knighthood in the training yard. Being a Princess did not protect a woman from the harshness that occurred in the training yards.“I imagine the King is there to speak with Arden. If you are ever unable to find them, one is likely there.” Alys explained as they ushered me through the castle. Willa nodded, an amused smile creeping onto her lips. “I heard that you gave Arden quite the runabout after he found you in the woods. Is it true you… that you uh… attacked the King?” Alys scolded Willa with a harsh whisper, eyes wide with disbelief that she had asked such a question. We made our way through the throne room towards the neighboring courtyard where I assumed the training yard was. Before the guards opened the doors for us I replied proudly, enjoying the guards reaction “I struck the King in the cock… and then headbutted the General...” Willa giggled freely while Alys chuckled behind her hand. We stepped out onto a balcony that overlooked a training grounds that put Camelots and the Round Table to shame. Rows of soldiers, hundreds of soldiers, completed combat drills, sparred, and moved with a swift elegance that made me envious of the inhuman skills Vampires possessed. I saw Arden in the distance overseeing a group of clearly less experienced soldiers, so I shifted my efforts to locating the King. My gaze finally fixated on him and I nearly collapsed to my knees at the sight.

The King was without a shirt, a longsword planted firmly in his strong grip. The very grip I had felt pin me against the wall of that alleyway. A grip I had been longing to feel again. The sword moved with him as if it were an extension of his body, clashing with a guards sword with a violent grace that rendered me speechless. Sweat dripped from his hairline, leaving himlooking disheveled rather than the poised and devastatingly calculated man I had seen up until now. What I saw before me was hell unleashed.The Lord of the Seven Hells himself.I swallowed hard as he struck the guard down, his sword embedded through the man's torso. Blood sprayed the King as he pulled the sword from his body, his features stoic, eyes filled with a steely rage. His gaze moved from the man at his feet to me. I gripped the banister to stabilize myself, trying to maintain a shred of dignity. A smirk grew on his lips, likely noting how his display had affected me. He handed the sword off and made his way towards me, the warriors in the yard parting to make a path for their King. He made no move to dress or wipe himself free of the blood that dripped down his bare torso. Daemon's gaze remained locked with mine until he reached the top stair, mere feet from where I now stood.

Alys and Willa stood behind me, giving me a soft nudge forward in an effort to tell me to bow. I curtsied, maintaining eye contact with him the whole time. The smirk and bing gaze did not fade as he broke eye contact to take in my ladies maids. “I hope the Princess has notcaused too much trouble. She tends to run away quite often.” I hold in a huff of annoyance, though I am sure my expression conveys my feelings clearly. Holding his eyes I cross my arms over my chest, irritated that I had been summoned only to be ignored. “You summoned me, Your Majesty?”

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